Fungi Relationships and Interactions

natural ecosystems and agriculture.

decomposers and symbionts: they decompose food, wood and even plastics.

Ergot- affects cereal crops: causes gangrene, hallucinations and "________ fire.

________: fungi that live inside leaves or other plant parts.

underground ascocarps of mycelia that are mycorrhizal on tree roots.

harmless symbiotic endophytes.

toxins that deter herbivores and defend against pathogens.

Decomposition - nutrient and carbon recycling.

Biosynthetic factories. Can be used to produce drugs, antibiotics, alcohol, acids, food (e.g., fermented products, mushrooms).

Model organisms for biochemical and genetic studies.

Destruction of food, lumber, paper, and cloth.

Animal and human diseases (mycosis), including allergies.

Toxins produced by poisonous mushrooms and within food (e.g., grain, cheese, etc.).

Plant diseases.